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There has been a recent rise in attention to five small towns, nicknamed Blue Zones. Curiosity surrounding these towns is due to increased life expectancy of local residents, with many residents living to or past 100 years. Locals also experience significantly fewer cases of chronic health conditions including heart disease, cancer and dementia. The towns are Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece; and Loma Linda, California.
So what are these people doing to live so much longer than most? Is it magic? No! Residents simply prioritize a slower-paced and higher quality life. People here spend lots of time doing group activities. They cook, eat, garden, shop, and spend quality time with their friends and families. Research shows socialization and connection to others is correlated to a sense of belonging which can decrease loneliness, and aid emotional, mental and physical health. Diets in these regions are mostly plant-based, with fresh produce grown in personal and community gardens. Herbal teas are a staple as well. From their diets, they consume vitamins and minerals necessary for prolonged health. They live active lifestyles. You’ll find locals doing many low-intensity exercises like swimming and walking. Activities from hanging laundry to dry to gardening keep them on their feet and moving around. Sleep is also important, with locals getting up to 10 hours of sleep nightly, and napping regularly.
After a successful documentary into these towns aired, and books on the subject were published, the Blue Zone lifestyle has become trendy. Influencers can be seen across social media platforms giving followers advice on incorporating Blue Zone-friendly lifestyle changes. Generally, we see folks are interested in making necessary changes to live healthier and longer lives.
While we can’t all flock to these five unique corners of the world, the question becomes: how can Blue Zones come to you? Here are 5 changes to make at home to bring qualities of Blue Zone living into your life:
1. Turn your coffee bar into an herbal tea bar
This can be a pleasing addition to a kitchen! Start a collection of different herbs and tea products and put them on display in aesthetic containers. Label each herb with its known healing properties, allowing guests to create their own tea combinations to cater to their health needs. Don’t forget a hot water kettle (electric or stove-top will work), sweeteners of your choice, teaspoons, a tea infuser, and of course a collection of adorable tea cups and saucers.
Locals of Blue Zones are known to drink lots of herbal teas: from Shan-pien, a concoction of green tea, jasmine flowers, and turmeric drank In Okinawa, Japan (known for its anti-inflammatory properties and abundance of antioxidants); to milk thistle tea brewed in Sardinia, Italy (known for its benefits toward liver and bone health, as well as insulin resistance).
2. Ditch your clothes dryer and hang up a clothesline!
There are many benefits to using a clothesline rather than the bulky machines found in most homes. UV sunlight can disinfect clothes, killing bacteria and stopping its reproduction. When using a clothesline, each item is hung individually. While this may take more time than throwing clothes into a machine, it’s another opportunity to slow down for a moment, as people in Blue Zones do, and add more low-intensity activity into your daily life. On top of this, line-drying clothes is better for most fabrics than machine-drying, because tumblers can damage clothes and wear them out quickly. Using a clothesline can mean saving money on the electric bill, and chemical reactions occurring when sunlight hits wet fabric will leave clothes smelling naturally fresh. Who doesn’t want that?
3. Turn your kitchen into an inviting gathering space
A kitchen revamp is a great way to bring people together, which is one factor influencing longevity of life in Blue Zones. If given the opportunity to make larger changes, choose an open-concept design for your space. Having the kitchen flow into the living room gives freedom to host. With a big, central island, everyone can cook together. Or, extra countertops can be used for buffet-style meals with friends and family. Bring natural light into your hosting space by adding windows or access to an outdoor area. Natural light is correlated with increased production of Vitamin D, which has many health benefits.
If large-scale changes are not an option, here are three alternatives. Incorporate brighter colors. Color contributes to energy levels and mental activity. Use more plants. Plants bring air purification and are associated with increased pleasure and creativity. Switch out your small breakfast table with a larger one to allow more room for people to come together.
4. Turn your home office into a mindfulness room
Mindfulness is a growing practice, and for good reason. The practice is associated with lower stress, better sleep, a decrease in anxiety, etc. Mindfulness helps people slow down and stay present. Many practices found in Blue Zones have mindfulness qualities, from making tea to walking everywhere. Bringing mindfulness home can add quality to daily life. Some things to include in your mindfulness room are a meditation corner, a yoga/stretching/mobility space, essential oils or incense, and plants. I recommended making this space a no screen zone. Disconnect from all things tech here.
5. Plant a garden!
Adding a backyard vegetable garden is another great way to channel Blue Zones. Having your own garden lets you produce your own fruits and vegetables, giving an easy way to incorporate more whole foods into your diet. Garden-to-table eating ensures produce is more nutrient-rich and fresh. Not only will a garden add to landscape beauty, but it’s also a great way to connect with the community. Share excess produce with neighbors, have cooking parties, and get family and friends involved in garden maintenance!
If you choose to make these changes in your home, all you’ll need to do is sit back and watch positive things unfold in your life. Who knows, maybe you will live to be over 100 years old, too!
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